Moyes - Vellios still adapting

Everton manager David Moyes feels patience is key if the club are to see Apostolos Vellios fulfil his potential.

Last Updated: 07/12/11 5:16pm

Apostolos Vellios: Continuing to improve as he adjusts to life in the Premier League

Everton manager David Moyes feels patience is key if the club are to see Apostolos Vellios fulfil his potential.

The 19-year-old striker has proved a surprise success so far this season, scoring three goals from the bench and earning two Premier League starts.

But Moyes is wary of piling too much pressure on the youngster, who arrived from Greek second division side Iraklis in January, as he continues to adapt.

"He is doing well. I think he has now got three goals for us coming from the bench," the manager told Everton's official website.

"His impact coming on as a sub has been quite good and at the moment that might be his way.

"Generally, and it is not his fitness, but he is still getting used to the Premier League, the speed of it and doing the right things often enough."

Moyes has been particularly impressed by Vellios' finishing ability this season but feels he still has work to do.

Improving

"He can score when he gets a chance in the box," he added.

"He is improving all the time. I see him in training and there are times I think he is slacking and he needs to work a bit harder, do better and protect the ball a bit better.

"We are working with him all the time and I hope we can continue to improve him.

"I think if you look at most of the goals that are scored they are either in the six-yard box or penalty area, there are a few scored from outside the box but if you want to be a centre forward then you have to accept the fact that you need to get in the middle of the box to get the goals.

"He is a good finisher, he is tidy, he gets across defenders and you do tend to find that he is in and around the right areas to score."